Whip up this easy chickpea stir fry in just 15 minutes! It’s flavorful, high in protein, vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for any time of the day — busy mornings, cozy dinners, or quick meal preps. Comfort food made healthy.
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This recipe is my go-to comfort bowl when in need of a quick snack in any given time. My first time ever tasting this is at the island, so recreating this now to introduce to my friends brings back memories of island-vibe. Protein-packed, full of flavors, and ready in minutes. Whether you enjoy it as a snack or a part of a meal, it fits effortlessly into your day to day meal.
Why You’ll Love This
- Protein-packed — Chickpeas keeps you full and energized
- Fast — Ready in 15 minutes from start to finish. Minimal prep with maximum flavor.
- Vegan & gluten-free — Great for plant-based lovers
- Customizable — Use fresh or canned chickpeas, swap veggies, and adjust spices to your preference. Adding tofu, soya, or meat to this recipe works well too.
- Meal-prep friendly — reheats well for launches or quick dinners.
🌿 Just a friendly reminder: I’m a passionate foodie, not a certified nutrition or health professional. Everything shared here — recipes, tips, and food inspiration — is meant for enjoyment and creativity in your kitchen. For dietary guidance or health concerns, always consult a qualified professional.
How It’s Made — At a Glace
Step 1—Ingredients
- Cooking oil of your choice
- Curry leaves
- Pandan leaf
- Mustard seeds
- Sundried red chili pepper
- Onions
- Green chili
- Maldives fish (optional)
- Can of chickpea
- Cilantro
- Turmeric powder
- Black pepper powder
- Curry powder (optional)
- Chili powder
- Salt & lime
Step 2—Tempering
Heat oil in a non-stick pan or wok. Add curry leaves and mustard seeds until they pop, then toss in the sun-dried red chili to sizzle to a light crisp.
Step 3—Stir-fry
Add diced onions and sauté for few minutes until softens. Lower heat and combine a piece of pandan leaf, turmeric, black pepper, chili powder, curry powder, Maldives fish, sliced green chili, and the can of chickpeas (without the liquid). Give it a good stir to mix everything and let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes more.
Stir in the salt and pepper and lime juice to balance the flavor. Mix in the chopped cilantro towards the end and remove from heat.
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Pairing ideas
This chickpea stir-fry tastes amazing:
- Great enjoyed on its own
- Serve over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a classic, comforting bowl
- Spoon over quinoa for extra protein and a nutty texture
- Wrap in a warm tortilla or flatbread with a drizzle of tahini or vegan yogurt for a quick lunch
- Top with roasted peanuts or toasted sesame seeds for crunch
- Add a fried egg (for non-vegan eaters) t make it extra hearty
- Add fried chicken, roasted soya or beef for added protein
Leftovers
- Refrigerate for 1–2 days in airtight containers
- Freeze for up to 1 month in sealed single portions
- Label leftovers with the date for easy tracking
- Reheat with a splash of water to revive flavors over the stove-top or microwave
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Quick Chickpea Stir-Fry Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil in a non-stick pan or wok.
- Add curry leaves, mustard seeds, sundried red chili pepper to sizzle to a light crisp
- Stir in diced onions and sauté for few minutes until softens.
- Lower heat and combine a piece of pandan leaf, turmeric powder, black pepper, chili powder, curry powder, Maldives fish, sliced green chili, and the can of chickpeas.
- Give it a good stir to mix everything and let it simmer on low heat for five more minutes.
- Stir in the salt and pepper as well as lime juice to balance the overall flavor.
- Combine chopped cilantro at the end before removing off the heat.
This chickpea stir-fry isn’t just a recipe — it’s a lifestyle upgrade. Quick, nourishing, and versatile, it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good about what you’re eating without sacrificing flavor or time.
👉 Ready to take your healthy habits further? Explore my Plant, Eat, Repeat printable planners — designed to help you manage family meals and self-care with ease.
📌 Don’t forget to Pin this recipe or save it for later. Your cravings will thank you.
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